A space for questions
SPACE miscarriage & infertility network is launching a new online small group which is specifically aimed at supporting women of faith called ‘faithSPACE’.
A number of women from our network who have a faith background tell us that experiencing miscarriage or infertility can often trigger a personal crisis of faith because of the many spiritual questions and doubts it can raise.
Questions such as:
Why doesn't God answer my prayers, or give me the family that I long for?
Did God allow my infertility, or cause my baby die?
Is it okay to feel angry with God?
Why does God seem so silent in my suffering?
Does God see my situation or care about me at all?
Is it normal to want to avoid church?
Is there space for sadness or lament in my faith?.
Since several of the SPACE team are also part of a faith community, we wanted to create a safe small group space for individuals to unpackage and explore these kinds of questions together as a community facing similar challenges.
We know that in many faith settings, it can be hard to articulate these doubts and fears aloud without fear of judgment, and sometimes well-meaning but poorly informed people can say damaging and unhelpful things. Also, in many churches and other faith settings there is a heavy emphasis on families, which can be extremely difficult to navigate for those facing infertility or grief after loss.
Dealing with this is already disorientating enough, but when a person’s main source of social, emotional and spiritual support no longer feels like a safe space or pillar to lean on, it can be incredibly isolating and can cause an extra layer of pain. faithSpace hopes to provide a small place of refuge for those individuals.
The group will use a similar format to other SPACE sessions, including discussions, regular guest speakers/Q&As, but it will also allow room for faith based discussion, and some space to reflect and pray together.
Next dates are:
Mon 18 July, 8pm
Mon 15th Aug, 8pm
Mon 19th Sept, 8pm
The sessions are suitable for any person of faith who is currently facing miscarriage, baby loss, infertility or childlessness. They are also suitable for anyone who has journeyed through these issues some time ago, but still has some unresolved doubts/questions of faith to work through.
To find out more or register to attend, simply email us at thereisspaceforyouhere@gmail.com and ask for the joining link .